For a first-time effort, Best Friends Brunch did remarkably well, as one might expect when funds are being raised for friends of the four-legged variety. The fundraising was on behalf of aniMeals on Wheels, a program of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston that provides support for the pets of Meals on Wheels seniors.

Animal lovers Bruce Padilla and Shelby Kibodeaux chaired the event that included a number of pooches in the rooftop party space of the Sam Houston Hotel. Honored at the gathering, which raised $65,000, were identical twins who share a passion for animals — Tena Lundquist Faust and Tama Lundquist. Elizabeth Stein and her daughter, Laura Stein, served as co-chairs.

The fun included a pet parade as pooches competed for aniMeals Pet of the Year status. Dominic Cellitti's canine, Brady the Super Dog, took top honors with Kim Padgett's Westie, Cassidy, coming in a close second.